Lady Knights soccer ties 0-0 twice in a row
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Photo by Anthony Jones: Laney Harshany utilizes her flip throw technique against Althoff.
By Anthony Jones
Triad soccer played a total of 160 minutes last week, but they all had one thing in common: no scoring.
The Lady Knights played to two 0-0 ties against Cor Jesu and Althoff. Those draws make the team’s record 4-6-2 on the year.
Cor Jesu, an all-girls school in St. Louis, began the scoreless stretch with a visit to Triad on April 11. The meeting between the Chargers and the Lady Knights was the first since they played to a 1-1 tie in 2009.
Through the first 40 minutes, scoring attempts were few and far between on both ends of the field.
The most dangerous threat of the opening half belonged to Cor Jesu however, who launched a free kick on goal. A fully laid out, diving effort from senior keeper Tavey Duncan rebuffed the hard hit shot.
“The first half I thought we defended more than anything. Tavey made a couple great saves, especially on that dead ball to kind of keep us in it,” Coach Matt Bettlach remarked.
Play opened up more in the second half, but neither team took advantage in the 0-0 final.
Coach Bettlach saw the draw as an improvement on the defensive end, “This was the first complete 80 minutes that we’ve been looking for, which is a very positive sign. The back four played great, even the subs that came on. Our goalie did what we’ve asked.”
Triad’s week continued on April 13 against Althoff. The Lady Knights hosted the matchup between programs that boast a combined three state championships over the last two years.
Duncan once again had the play of the game for Triad, with a diving save to rebuff a shot from just yards away. The senior goaltender finished with 8 saves in the draw.
The Lady Knights finished with another 0-0 final, even after having several promising looks.
“We’re a little frustrated because we had numerous opportunities to score this evening. Especially at halftime, we didn’t like the way we played. If we finished some of those chances early on that we had, it’s different ball game. That’s been our M.O. all year,” their coach said of the missed chances.
The Lady Knights will look to improve their 4-6-2 overall and 3-1 conference record with home games on April 18 with Jersey and April 20 with Highland. Bettlach sees those league foes presenting tougher challenges than they have in recent meetings.
“Jerseyville is having a better year. When you look at some of their scores, they’re doing okay and they’ve got a winning record. Highland is doing better since the last time we played them. Those are going to be two teams that are going to look at us and they’re gonna smell blood. They’re gonna come at us and if we’re not careful, then those teams can definitely upset us,” he remarked.
